Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [261]
The best maps of Sweden are published and updated regularly by Kartförlaget, the sales branch of the national mapping agency, Lantmäteriet (026-63 30 00; www.lantmateriet.se). Maps can be bought at most tourist offices, bookshops and some youth hostels, service stations and general stores.
Motorists planning an extensive tour should get Motormännens Sverige Vägatlas produced by Kartförlaget (around Skr280 at most shops), with town plans and detailed coverage at 1:250,000 as far north as Sundsvall, then 1:400,000 for the remainder.
The best tourist road maps are those of Kartförlaget’s Vägkartan series, at a scale of 1:100,000 and available from larger bookshops. Also useful, especially for hikers, is the Fjällkartan mountain series (1:100,000, with 20m contour interval); these are usually priced around Skr120 apiece and are available at larger bookshops, outdoor equipment stores and mountain stations operated by Svenska Turistföreningen (STF; 08-463 21 00; www.svenskaturistforeningen.se).
To purchase maps before you arrive, try online at Lantmäteriet’s website, which has a good mail-order service, or at Kartbutiken (Map; 08-20 23 03; www.kartbutiken.se; Kungsgatan 74, Stockholm).
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MONEY
Sweden uses the krona (plural kronor) as currency. One krona is divided into 100 öre. See the Inside Front Cover for exchange rates, and Click here for typical costs.
Cash & ATMs
The simplest way to get money in Sweden is by accessing your account using an ATM card from your home bank. ‘Bankomat’ ATMs are found adjacent to many banks and around busy public places such as shopping centres. They accept major credit cards as well as Plus and Cirrus cards. Note that many ATMs in Sweden will not accept PINs of more than four digits; if your PIN is longer than this, just enter the first four and you should be able to access your account. Also be aware that ATMs in busy locations often have extremely long queues and can actually run out of money on Friday and Saturday nights.
Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club cards are widely accepted. You’re better off using a credit card because exchange rates are better and most transaction fees are avoided. Credit cards can be used to buy train tickets but are not accepted on domestic ferries, apart from sailings to Gotland. Electronic debit cards can be used in most shops.
If your card is lost or stolen in Sweden, report it to one of the following appropriate agencies.
American Express (336-393 1111)
Diners Club (08-14 68 78)
MasterCard (020-79 13 24)
Visa (020-79 56 75)
Moneychangers & Travellers Cheques
Banks around the country exchange major foreign currencies and accept international brands of travellers cheques. They may, however, charge up to Skr60 per travellers cheque, so shop around and compare service fees and exchange rates before handing over your money.
Forex (0200-22 22 20; www.forex.se) is the biggest foreign money exchange company in Sweden, with good rates and branches in major airports, ferry terminals and town and city centres; these are noted where appropriate in the destination chapters. They charge a service fee of Skr15 per travellers cheque exchanged.
Tipping
Service charges and tips are usually included in restaurant bills; a common practice is to round up a restaurant bill to the nearest Skr10. There’s certainly no problem if you want to reward good service with an extra tip. It’s also customary to round up the taxi fare, particularly if there’s luggage.
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PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Print and slide film are readily available, but prices (including developing costs) are fairly high. It’s better to bring your own film and develop your photos or slides back home. Expert, a chain of electrical goods shops, sells a wide range of film, and camera equipment can be bought or repaired there.
It’s particularly important to ask permission before taking photos of people in Sami areas, where you may meet resistance. Photography